comfort + luxe

Comfort + Luxury. they seem to be one in the same. when you're comfortable, there's no doubt, no worry, no irritation, no rush. when you're comfortable, you're enveloped by a sense of security, a sense of pleasure, and a responsible disregard for obligation. when you're comfortable, you're at peace, at rest. all is right.

we can all create our own comfortable luxury. Comfort and Luxury are both very personable, very different meanings for each individual. no one can tell you exactly the recipe for your own version. here are a few suggestions:

-- lighting. artificial lighting is often harsh, discoloured, and ruins the mood for sure. rather than switching on the overhead florescents, opt to open your curtains. without a shadow of a doubt, natural light is best. in the evening, strategically position lit candles. the soft light not only adds a dash of romance and charm, but the warmth sprinkles a depth to the atmosphere. and the shadows provide brilliant texture, transforming a flat wall to a three-dimensional art installation.

-- temperature. this sounds silly, but "comfort" for you may be different than "comfort" for your guests. the ultimate comfortable luxury is the perfect climate. neither too hot, too cold, too humid, too dry.

-- fragrance. subtle, soft aromas are best. if you're comfortable luxury environment is for a meal, you'll want to refrain from using strongly scented flowers, candles, or home fragrances. instead, let the food be your fragrance. if you're comfortable luxury environment is not food-centric, natural fragrances are best. i particularly love the aromas of fresh flowers like orange blossoms, balsam, and verbena. if trying to induce rest and/or sleep, lavender is always a winner.

some brands and concepts to check out for creating your own comfortable luxury:



-- Shabby Chic - Comfort, the beauty of imperfections, the allure of time-worn objects, and the appeal of simple practical living: these are the cornerstones of the Shabby Chic® brand. Like the cozy familiarity of a well-worn pair of faded jeans, the dilapidated elegance of an Italian villa, the worn grandeur of faded velvets and mismatched floral china handed down from your grandmother’s attic, the brand is a revived appreciation for what is used, well-loved, and worn, it is a respect for natural evolution and a regard for what is easy and sensible.

Creating a brand synonymous with her aesthetic and lifestyle, designer Rachel Ashwell founded Shabby Chic in 1989 on the philosophy of beauty, comfort, and function. Her first store, located in Santa Monica, CA, sold Rachel’s washable furniture slipcovers and fabulous flea market finds.

Today, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture™ flagship stores are located in Santa Monica, California, SoHo, New York and London’s Notting Hill neighborhood, with ever-expanding lines of bedding, furniture, accessories and vintage items. The Simply Shabby Chic® line of bedding and home accessories, created in 2004 through an exclusive partnership with Target stores, continues to bring the brand’s blend of English elegance and California casual to Target customers nationwide.

Shabby Chic Brands will launch a new collection of furniture, home décor, and portable lighting this year in furniture stores across the U.S. and internationally, making Shabby Chic home furnishings more accessible than ever to fans throughout the world.

-- BBrooks - I've written about my love for BBrooks multiple times, but I could sing their praises forever. BBrooks' nationwide network of florists specializes in fresh, seasonal flowers arranged with exquisite artistry. When you order from BBrooks, one of their exclusive floral designers creates a unique flower arrangement just for you and delivers it anywhere in the US. And because BBrooks' member florists join by invitation only, you can trust that yours will be the very finest local florist.


-- Agraria Home is the leader of home fragrance. From the most delicate florals to the most pungent fruits, Agraria's collection of candles, diffusers, incense, sprays, tassels, and more are sure to add that extra touch of comfort + luxe to your comfortable luxury. The beautiful packaging and presentation is only the tip of the iceberg to the sensational scents you'll experience.

-- Get the perfect inspiration from a quarterly magazine called Kinkfolk. Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings, and was created as a collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we all love.